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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 13:1-17

It has generally been taken for granted by commentators that Christ's washing his disciples? feet, and the discourse that followed it, were the same night in which he was betrayed, and at the same sitting wherein he ate the passover and instituted the Lord's supper; but whether before the solemnity began, or after it was all over, or between the eating of the passover and the institution of the Lord's supper, they are not agreed. This evangelist, making it his business to gather up those... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 13:18-30

We have here the discovery of Judas's plot to betray his Master. Christ knew it from the beginning; but now first he discovered it to his disciples, who did not expect Christ should be betrayed, though he had often told them so, much less did they suspect that one of them should do it. Now here, I. Christ gives them a general intimation of it (John 13:18): I speak not of you all, I cannot expect you will all do these things, for I know whom I have chosen, and whom I have passed by; but the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

13:1-17 Before the Festival of the Passover, Jesus, in the knowledge that his hour had come to leave this world and to go to the Father, although he had always loved his own people in the world, decided to show them what his love was like in a way which went to the ultimate limit. The meal was in progress; and the devil had already put it into his heart that Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, should betray him. Well knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

There is more in the background of this passage than even John tells us. If we turn to Luke's account of the last meal together, we find the tragic sentence: "A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as greatest" ( Luke 22:24 ). Even within sight of the Cross, the disciples were still arguing about matters of precedence and prestige. It may well be that this very argument produced the situation which made Jesus act as he did. The roads of Palestine were unsurfaced... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

We have already seen that in John we have always to be looking for two meanings, the meaning which lies on the surface and the meaning which is beneath the surface. In this story there is undoubtedly a second meaning. On the surface it is a dramatic and unforgettable lesson in humility. But there is more to it than that. There is one very difficult passage. At first Peter refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus tells him that unless he accepts this washing, he will have no part with... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:18-20

13:18-20 "It is not about you all that I am speaking. I know the kind of men whom I have chosen. It is all happening that the Scripture should be fulfilled: 'He who eats my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' I am telling you this now, before it happens, so that, when it does happen, you may believe that I am who I claim to be. This is the truth I tell you--he who receives whomsoever I will send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me." There are three things... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:21-30

13:21-30 When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit. Solemnly he declared: "This is the truth I tell you, one of you will betray me." The disciples began to look at each other, because they were at a loss to know about whom he was speaking. One of his disciples, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining with his head on Jesus' breast. So Simon Peter made a sign to him and said to him: "Ask who it is that he is speaking about." The disciple who was reclining with his head... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:21-30

So this tragic drama played itself out to the end. Again and again Jesus showed his affection to Judas. Again and again Jesus tried to save him from what he was planning to do. Then quite suddenly the crucial moment came, the moment when the love of Jesus admitted defeat. "Judas," he said, "hurry on what you propose to do." There was no point in further delay. Why carry on this useless appeal in the mounting tension? If it was to be done, it were better done quickly. Still the disciples... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:12

So after he had washed their feet ,.... Not Peter's only, but the rest of the disciples also: some have thought, that he washed only the feet of some of them, and not all; but it seems, by this expression, that he performed this service to each of them: and when he had gone through it with everyone of them: and had taken his garments , and put them on, and was sat down again ; at the table with his disciples, supper not being yet ended; when having done his work as a servant, he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:13

Ye call me Master and Lord ,.... רבי , and מר , "Master" and "Lord", were dignified titles among the Jews, which they frequently F25 Vid. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1. Derech Erets, c. 6. fol. 18. 2. gave to their doctors and men of learning, and are often to be met with in their writings: hence the disciples called Christ by these names, not out of flattery, but reverence of him, and esteem for him; nor are they blamed, but commended for it: and ye say well, for so I am ; though... read more

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